Hello Dear Readers,

Let us pause this Memorial Day to honor the lives of approximately 7800 U.S. and coalition military men and women who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sobering figures, and just this week, the Afghanistan death toll hit 3,000. Now seven more service members have been added to the toll. You may find of interest this article, “Memorial Day 2012: 7 Ways to Honor Military Members,” located at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/26/memorial - day - - volunteer - give - back_n_1545354.html.

Writing activities are intense, and will continue to be until July 1, when I turn in my manuscript on suicide warfare to Praeger Security International. Then I will begin work on an essay on societal attitudes toward the Persian Gulf War that will be due to ABC - CLIO, September 15. I will most likely have one other short writing assignment from another publisher; and already have a third project, a short assignment due July 1. So, I don’t lack for something to write.

I continue to help people with their research related to my Women in Combat book; and I’m happy to say the book is finding its way into some places where it might help.

Read about a measure to let women fight on the front lines that is part of the massive defense bill proposed Thursday in the Senate at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/women - combat - senate - defense - bill_n_1543763.html.

Thank you for pausing to honor all military men and women on this Memorial Day, 2012.

Rosemarie